Media release 

Australian Minister for Trade, Mark Vaile

Friday, April 7, 2000

China Wool Quota

The Minister for Trade, Mark Vaile, today welcomed the announcement by the Chinese authorities of the wool quota allocation for the first half of 2000.

The Chinese State Development Planning Commission announced on 26 April a quota allocation of 146,000 tons, half this year's total allocation.

Mr Vaile said this was a welcome and positive outcome for Australian graziers and reflected a similar level of quota allocation as in 1999.

He said that approximately 25 percent or more than 35,000 tons would be allocated to wool tops.

"While the quota allocation is welcome, there are still several other impediments in the China market. I will be raising these matters during my forthcoming visit to China", Mr Vaile said.

Existing problems include inflexible nature of the quota allocation system, which has consistently disrupted the sale of Australian wool to China.

"China is a very important market for Australian wool and the Government is committed to ensuring increased and secure access for Australian Wool Growers", Mr Vaile said.

Australian wool exports were worth $643 million in 1999. This constitutes 30 percent of Australia's total wool exports and makes China our most important export market for wool. Wool is our second largest export to China.

Contact:
Bruce Mills 02 6277 7420 0418 273 475

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